ECNL adds seven new member clubs for 2012-13 season.RICHMOND, VA. (March 22, 2012): From the approximately 80 clubs that applied for membership into the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for the 2012-13 season, seven new clubs have been accepted as ECNL member clubs. The new clubs accepted for the 2012-13 season are:

“The application process becomes more difficult every year,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “We are excited to have seven new clubs that will make the ECNL an even stronger and more robust developmental platform, many of which will also help the ECNL reach players in new geographic areas.”

New member acceptance decisions were based on multiple different factors, including: 1) long-term club history in female soccer, 2) long-term history in development of female soccer players, 3) club leadership and management structure, 4) club vision and philosophy, and 5) geographical considerations.

“The ECNL will continue to lead female soccer in creating developmentally-focused national competition, scouting-based and no-cost player identification platforms, and club and coaching education initiatives,” said ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken. “These seven new clubs will join the existing ECNL member clubs in furthering positive change in girls youth soccer.”